Cummins takes first training session

New Reading youth team coach Chris Cummins took training last week with the squad development players, in other words who wern't involved in the recent play-off final.

Cummins was very impressed with what he saw and was very pleased with the fitness levels shown by the development squad.

He told the RFC official website, 'They have all stuck to the programmes they were set over the summer, which helps when it all starts again at the start of July.'They have come back and hit the ground running and are looking fresh and hungry.'

Chris had no previous playing experience but started his career at Watford in 1996 as the youth development co-ordinator and continued the role for over 10 years. He then had roles with Luton Town and managing Toronto FC before joining the Royals backroom staff in April.

Cummins is often credited for the development of Manchester United's new £17m signing and England international Ashley Young, having faith in him during his younger years at Watford as he was told he was too short and too slow.